Process for producing vinyl ether compounds

ABSTRACT

A process produces vinyl ether compounds and includes allowing a vinyl ester compound represented by following Formula (1):  
                 
 
     wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3  and R 4  are the same or different and are each a hydrogen atom or an organic group, to react with a hydroxy compound represented by following Formula (2): 
     R 5 OH  (2) 
     wherein R 5  is an organic group, in the presence of at least one transition element compound to thereby yield a vinyl ether compound represented by following Formula (3):  
                 
 
     wherein R 2 , R 3 , R 4  and R 5  have the same meanings as defined above. Such transition element compounds include iridium compounds and other compounds containing Group VIII elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to vinyl ether compounds that areuseful as raw materials for pharmaceutical drugs, agriculturalchemicals, and polymers, as well as to processes for producing suchvinyl ether compounds.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Vinyl ether compounds are useful as raw materials forpharmaceutical drugs, agricultural chemicals, and other fine chemicalsand as raw materials for polymers such as resist resins, opticalplastics, transparent resins, and crosslinking resins. Among them, vinylether compounds each having an alicyclic skeleton, a lactone skeleton,or another non-aromatic cyclic skeleton are promising material monomersfor resist resins, since they can improve transparency and resistance todry etching when they are used as comonomers of such polymers. Vinylether compounds each having plural vinyl groups are suitable as materialmonomers for crosslinking resins, since they can impart high solventresistance to the resulting polymers. In addition, such vinyl ethercompounds develop odor and irritate the skin less than acrylic compoundsand are excellent in handleability and workability. However, there areless types of vinyl ether compounds at higher cost than acryliccompounds (monomers) on the market, which do not sufficiently fill theneeds for such vinyl ether compounds.

[0005] The vinyl ether compounds have been prepared, for example, by aprocess in which acetylene is allowed to react with an alcohol bycatalysis of an alkali metal hydroxide or an alkali metal alcoholate.However, this process is disadvantageous in that it uses acetylene thatis difficult to handle. Alternatively, U.S. Pat. No. 2,579,411 disclosesa process for producing a vinyl ether compound, in which an alcohol isallowed to react with a vinyl ester in the presence of a mercury salt ofa strong acid at a temperature of from −75° C. to −15° C. However, thisprocess requires the use of highly toxic mercury, needs a reaction atvery low temperatures, and is not suitable as a process for commercialproduction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide aprocess for easily producing a vinyl ether compound under mildconditions.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a versatileprocess for producing vinyl ether compounds.

[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a novelvinyl ether compound.

[0009] After intensive investigations to achieve the above objects, thepresent inventors have found that a corresponding vinyl ether compoundcan easily be obtained under mild conditions by allowing a vinyl estercompound to react with a hydroxy compound in the presence of a specificcatalyst. They also have succeeded to produce novel vinyl ethercompounds. The present invention has been accomplished based on thesefindings.

[0010] Specifically, the present invention provides, in an aspect, aprocess for producing vinyl ether compounds. The process includes thestep of allowing a vinyl ester compound represented by following Formula(1):

[0011] wherein R¹, R², R³and R⁴ are the same or different and are each ahydrogen atom or an organic group, to react with a hydroxy compoundrepresented by following Formula (2):

R⁵OH  (2)

[0012] wherein R⁵ is an organic group, in the presence of at least onetransition element compound to thereby yield a vinyl ether compoundrepresented by following Formula (3):

[0013] wherein R¹, R³, R⁴ and R⁵ have the same meanings as definedabove.

[0014] Such transition element compounds include, for example, iridiumcompounds and other compounds comprising Group VIII elements of thePeriodic Table of Elements. In the process, the vinyl ester compoundrepresented by Formula (1) may be allowed to react with the hydroxycompound represented by Formula (2) in the presence of a base.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention provides a vinyl ethercompound represented by following Formula (4):

[0016] wherein

[0017] ring Z is any one of cyclic groups represented by followingFormulae (5) through (12):

[0018]  wherein

[0019] X¹, X², X³, X⁴, X⁵, X⁶, X⁷, and X⁸ are each a substituentcombined with an atom constituting each ring and are each a halogenatom, an alkyl group, a haloalkyl group, an aryl group, a hydroxyl groupwhich may be protected by a protecting group, a hydroxymethyl groupwhich may be protected by a protecting group, an amino group which maybe protected by a protecting group, a carboxyl group which may beprotected by a protecting group, a sulfo group which may be protected bya protecting group, an oxo group, a nitro group, a cyano group, or anacyl group which may be protected by a protecting group, wherein, whenthere are two or more substituents X¹s, these X¹s may be combined toform a ring containing four or more members with a carbon atomconstituting the cyclohexane ring in Formula (5);

[0020] a, b, c, d, e, f, g, and h are each an integer of 0 or more,wherein, when a, b, c, d, e, f, g or h is 2 or more, the substituents inthe parentheses may be the same or different; and

[0021] p, q, and r are each an integer of from 0 to 3;

[0022] W is a divalent hydrocarbon group;

[0023] R², R³, and R⁴ are the same or different and are each a hydrogenatom or an organic group;

[0024] n is 0 or 1; and

[0025] m is an integer of from 1 to 8,

[0026] wherein groups in the parentheses may be the same or differentwhen m is 2 or more;

[0027] wherein a in Formula (5) is 1 or more and b in Formula (6) is 1or more when n is 0 and m is 1; and

[0028] wherein c is 1 or more when p is 0 or 1, and X³ is a group otherthan hydroxyl group when p is 0 and c is 1 in Formula (7).

[0029] The process of the present invention can easily produce vinylether compounds under mild conditions. In addition, it is versatile andcan efficiently produce a broad range of vinyl ether compounds.

[0030] The present invention also provides novel vinyl ether compounds.

[0031] The “vinyl ether compounds” and “vinyl ester compounds” as usedherein also include compounds in which a hydrogen atom of a vinyl groupis substituted with a substituent. The “transition elements” includeGroup IIIA elements, Group IVA elements, Group VA elements, Group VIAelements, Group VIIA elements, Group VIII elements, and Group IBelements of the Periodic Table of Elements. The term “organic group” asused herein is used in a wide meaning and includes not onlycarbon-atom-containing groups but also halogen atoms, nitro group,sulfonic acid group, and other groups containing non-metallic atoms.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Transition Element Compounds

[0032] According to the present invention, transition element compounds(inclusive of elementary substances of transition elements) are used asa catalyst. Each of these transition element compounds can be used aloneor in combination. Such transition elements include lanthanum, cerium,and other Group IIIA elements (in particular, lanthanoid elements);titanium, zirconium, and other Group IVA elements; vanadium and otherGroup VA elements; chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, and other Group VIAelements; manganese and other Group VIIA elements; iron, cobalt, nickel,ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum, and otherGroup VIII elements; and copper, silver, and other Group IB elements.Among them, Group VIII elements are preferred, of which platinum groupelements including ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, andplatinum are typically preferred. In particular, iridium is specificallypreferred.

[0033] Transition element compounds include, but are not limited to,elementary substances (metals), oxides, sulfides, hydroxides, halides(fluorides, chlorides, bromides, and iodides), and sulfates oftransition elements, oxoacids or salts thereof, and inorganic complexescontaining transition elements, and other inorganic compounds; cyanides,salts of organic acids (e.g., acetates), organic complexes, and otherorganic compounds of transition elements. Among them, organic complexesare typically preferred. Ligands constituting such complexes includeknown ligands. The transition elements in the transition elementcompounds each have a valency of from about 0 to about 6, and preferablyfrom about 0 to about 3. In particular, iridium in the iridium compoundspreferably has a valency of 1 or 3.

[0034] Examples of the transition element compounds include, by takingiridium compounds as an example, metal iridium, iridium oxide, iridiumsulfide, iridium hydroxide, iridium fluoride, iridium chloride, iridiumbromide, iridium iodide, iridium sulfate, iridic acid and salts thereof(e.g., potassium iridate), inorganic iridium complexes [e.g.,hexaammineiridlum(III) salts, and chloropentaammineiridium(III) salts],and other inorganic compounds; iridium cyanide, organic iridiumcomplexes, and other organic compounds. Such organic complexes include,but are not limited to, tris(acetylacetonato)iridium,dodecacarbonyltetrairidium(0), chlorotricarbonyliridium(I),di-μ-chlorotetrakis(cyclooctene)diiridium(I),di-μ-chlorotetrakis(ethylene)diiridium(I),di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I),di-μ-chlorodichlorobis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)diiridium (III),trichlorotris(triethylphosphine)iridium(III),pentahydridobis(trimethylphosphine)iridium(V),chlorocarbonylbis(triphenylphosphine)iridium(I),chloroethylenebis(triphenylphosphine)iridium(I),(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)dicarbonyliridium(I),bis{l,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane}iridium(I) chloride,pentamethylcyclopentadienylbis(ethylene)iridium(I),carbonylmethylbis(triphenylphosphine)iridium(I),(1,5-cylooctadiene)(diphosphine)iridium(I) halides,1,5-cyclooctadiene(1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane)iridiu m(I)haxafluorophosphate,(1,5-cyclooctadiene)bis(trialkylphosphine)iridium(I) halides,bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)iridium tetrafluoroborate, and(1,5-cyclooctadiene)(acetonitrile)iridium tetrafluoroborate.

[0035] Preferred iridium compounds include iridium complexes, of whichorganic iridium complexes are typically preferred. Among them, organiciridium complexes each having a specific ligand are especiallypreferred. Such specific ligands include, for example, cyclopentene,dicyclopentadiene, cyclooctene, 1,5-cyclooctadiene, ethylene,pentamethylcyclopentadiene, benzene, toluene, and other unsaturatedhydrocarbons; acetonitrile and other nitrites; and tetrahydrofuran andother ethers. Examples of such preferred organic iridium complexes aredi-μ-chlorotetrakis(cyclooctene)diiridium(I),di-μ-chlorotetrakis(ethylene)diiridium(I),di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I),bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)iridium tetrafluoroborate, and(1,5-cyclooctadiene)(acetonitrile)iridium tetrafluoroborate. Each ofthese iridium compounds can be used alone or in combination with eachother and can be used in combination with the other transition elementcompounds.

[0036] The other transition element compounds than the iridium compoundsinclude compounds corresponding to the iridium compounds, such asdichloro(1,5-cyclooctadiene)ruthenium,dichloro(1,5-cyclooctadiene)platinum, anddichlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)dirhodium. Among the other transitionelement compounds than the iridium compounds, preferred are organiccomplexes each containing a specific ligand such as cyclopentene,dicyclopentadiene, cyclooctene, 1,5-cyclooctadiene, ethylene,pentamethylcyclopentadiene, benzene, toluene, and other unsaturatedhydrocarbons; acetonitrile and other nitrites; and tetrahydrofuran andother ethers.

[0037] The transition element compound can be used as intact or beingsupported by a carrier (support). Such carriers include conventionalcarriers for supporting catalysts, such as silica, alumina,silica-alumina, zeolite, titania, magnesia, and other metal oxides, aswell as activated carbon. In a catalyst supported by a carrier, theamount of the transition element compound is, for example, from about0.1% to 50% by weight, and preferably from about 1% to about 20% byweight relative to the weight of the carrier. The catalyst transitionelement compound can be supported by the carrier according to aconventional procedure such as impregnation, precipitation, and ionexchange.

[0038] The amount of the transition element compound is, for example,from about 0.0001 to about 1 mole, preferably from about 0.001 to about0.3 mole, and more preferably from about 0.005 to about 0.1 mole permole of the hydroxy compound used as a reaction component.

Vinyl Ester Compounds

[0039] In the vinyl ester compounds represented by Formula (1) thesubstituents R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are each a hydrogen atom or an organicgroup. The organic group herein may be any organic group that does notadversely affect the reaction, such as an organic group that is notreactive under reaction conditions in the process of the presentinvention. Such organic groups include, but are not limited to, halogenatoms such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine atoms, hydrocarbongroups, heterocyclic groups, substituted oxycarbonyl groups (e.g.,alkoxycarbonyl groups, aryloxycarbonyl groups, aralkyloxycarbonylgroups, and cycloalkyloxycarbonyl groups), carboxyl group, substitutedor unsubstituted carbamoyl groups, cyano group, nitro group, sulfur acidgroups, sulfur acid ester groups, acyl groups (e.g., acetyl group andother aliphatic acyl groups; and benzoyl group and other aromatic acylgroups), alkoxy groups (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, and other C₁-C₆ alkoxygroups), and N,N-di-substituted amino groups (e.g., N,N-dimethylaminogroup, and piperidino group), and groups each comprising two or more ofthese groups combined with each other. The carboxyl group and othergroups may be protected by protecting groups which are known orconventionally used in the field of organic synthesis. Among theseorganic groups, hydrocarbon groups and heterocyclic groups arepreferred.

[0040] The hydrocarbon groups and heterocyclic groups also includehydrocarbon groups and heterocyclic groups each having at least onesubstituent. The hydrocarbon groups include aliphatic hydrocarbongroups, alicyclic hydrocarbon groups, aromatic hydrocarbon groups, andgroups comprising these groups combined with each other. The aliphatichydrocarbon groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl,propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, s-butyl, t-butyl, pentyl, hexyl,decyl, dodecyl, and other alkyl groups each containing from about 1 toabout 20, preferably from about 1 to about 10, and more preferably fromabout 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; vinyl, allyl, 1-butenyl, and otheralkenyl groups each containing from about 2 to about 20, preferably fromabout 2 to about 10, and more preferably 2 or 3 carbon atoms; ethynyl,propynyl, and other alkynyl groups each containing from about 2 to about20, preferably from about 2 to about 10, and more preferably 2 or 3carbon atoms.

[0041] The alicyclic hydrocarbon groups include, but are not limited to,cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclooctyl, and othercycloalkyl groups each containing from about 3 to about 20, preferablyfrom about 3 to 15, and more preferably from about 5 to about 8 members;cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, and other cycloalkenyl groups eachcontaining from about 3 to about 20, preferably from about 3 to about15, and more preferably from about 5 to about 8 members;perhydronaphthalen-1-yl group, norbornyl, adamantyl,tetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodec-3-yl group, and other bridgedhydrocarbon groups. The aromatic hydrocarbon groups include, but are notlimited to, phenyl, naphthyl, and other aromatic hydrocarbon groups eachcontaining form about 6 to about 14, and preferably from about 6 toabout 10 carbon atoms.

[0042] Hydrocarbon groups each comprising an aliphatic hydrocarbon groupand an alicyclic hydrocarbon group combined with each other include, forexample, cyclopentylmethyl, cyclohexylmethyl, 2-cyclohexylethyl, andother cycloalkyl-alkyl groups (e.g., C₃-C₂₀ cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄ alkylgroups). Hydrocarbon groups each comprising an aliphatic hydrocarbongroup and an aromatic hydrocarbon group combined with each otherinclude, for example, aralkyl groups such as C₇-C₁₈ aralkyl groups; andalkyl-substituted aryl groups such as phenyl or naphthyl group on whichabout one to about four C₁-C₄ alkyl groups are substituted.

[0043] Preferred hydrocarbon groups include C₁-C₁₀ alkyl groups, C₂-C₁₀alkenyl groups, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl groups, C₃-C₁₅ cycloalkyl groups, C₆-C₁₀aromatic hydrocarbon groups, C₃-C₁₅ cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄ alkyl groups, andC₇-C₁₄ aralkyl groups.

[0044] The hydrocarbon groups may each have at least one substituent.Such substituents include, but are not limited to, halogen atoms, oxogroup, hydroxyl group, substituted oxy groups (e.g., alkoxy groups,aryloxy groups, aralkyloxy groups, and acyloxy groups), carboxyl group,substituted oxycarbonyl groups (e.g., alkoxycarbonyl groups,aryloxycarbonyl groups, and aralkyloxycarbonyl groups), substituted orunsubstituted carbamoyl groups, cyano group, nitro group, substituted orunsubstituted amino groups, sulfo group, and heterocyclic groups. Thehydroxyl group and carboxyl group just mentioned above may be protectedby a protecting group conventionally used in the field of organicsynthesis. The alicyclic hydrocarbon groups and aromatic hydrocarbongroups may have aromatic or non-aromatic heterocyclic rings fused totheir rings.

[0045] Heterocyclic rings constituting the heterocyclic groups in R¹ andthe other substituents include aromatic heterocyclic rings andnon-aromatic heterocyclic rings. Such heterocyclic rings include, butare not limited to, heterocyclic rings each containing at least oneoxygen atom as a hetero atom (e.g., furan, tetrahydrofuran, oxazole,isoxazole, γ-butyrolactone, and other 5-membered rings; 4-oxo-4H-pyran,tetrahydropyran, morpholine, and other 6-membered rings; benzofuran,isobenzofuran, 4-oxo-4H-chromene, chroman, isochroman, and other fusedrings; 3-oxatricyclo[4.3.1.1^(4,8)]undecan-2-one ring,3-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(4,8)]nonan-2-one ring, and other bridged rings) ;heterocyclic rings each containing at least one sulfur atom as a heteroatom (e.g., thiophene, thiazole, isothiazole, thiadiazole, and other5-membered rings; 4-oxo-4H-thiopyran, and other 6-membered rings;benzothiophene ring and other fused rings) ; heterocyclic rings eachcontaining at least one nitrogen atom as a hetero atom (e.g., pyrrole,pyrrolidine, pyrazole, imidazole, triazole, and other 5-membered rings;pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, piperidine, piperazine, andother 6-membered rings; indole, indoline, quinoline, acridine,naphthyridine, quinazoline, purine, and other fused rings). Theheterocyclic groups may each have at least one substituent. Suchsubstituents include, for example, alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, ethyl,and other C₁-C₄ alkyl groups), cycloalkyl groups, aryl groups (e.g.,phenyl and naphthyl groups), as well as the substituents which thehydrocarbon groups may have.

[0046] Preferred substituents R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ include hydrogen atomsand hydrocarbon groups such as C₁-C₁₀ alkyl groups, C₂-C₁₀ alkenylgroups, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl groups, C₃-C₁₅ cycloalkyl groups, C₆-C₁₀ aromatichydrocarbon groups, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl-C₁-C₄ alkyl groups, and C₇-C₁₄aralkyl groups. Among them, methyl group and other C₁-C₃ alkyl groupsand phenyl group are typically preferred as R¹, and hydrogen atom,methyl group and other C₁-C₃ alkyl groups are typically preferred as R²,R³, and R⁴R.

[0047] Typical examples of the vinyl ester compounds represented byFormula (1) include vinyl acetate, isopropenyl acetate, 1-propenylacetate, 2-methyl-1-propenyl acetate, 1,2-dimethyl-1-propenyl acetate,vinyl formate, vinyl propionate, and vinyl benzoate.

Hydroxy Compounds

[0048] According to the process of the present invention, a broad rangeof hydroxy compounds such as alcohols and phenols can be used as areaction component. In Formula (2), the organic group in R⁵ can be anyof organic groups as long as they do not adversely affect the reaction,such as organic groups that are not reactive under reaction conditionsin the process of the present invention. Such organic groups include,for example, organic groups similar to those exemplified in thesubstituents R¹, R², R³and R⁴. Typical examples of the organic groupsare hydrocarbon groups and heterocyclic groups. Such hydrocarbon groupsand heterocyclic groups include those exemplified in the substituentsR¹, R², R³ and R⁴. The hydrocarbon groups and heterocyclic groups alsoinclude hydrocarbon groups and heterocyclic groups each having at leastone substituent, as well as those each having a ring fused thereto. Suchsubstituents are not specifically limited, as long as they do notadversely affect the reaction, and include the substituents which thehydrocarbon groups and heterocyclic groups in R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ mayhave.

[0049] The hydroxy compounds include, for example, primary alcohols,secondary alcohols, tertiary alcohols, and phenols. The hydroxycompounds may each have plural hydroxyl groups and may be whichever ofmonohydric alcohols, dihydric alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, monohydricphenols, dihydric phenols, and polyhydric-phenols.

[0050] Typical primary alcohols include, but are not limited to,methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol,1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, 1-octanol, 1-decanol, 1-hexadecanol,2-buten-1-ol, ethylene glycol, trimethylene glycol, glycerol,hexamethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, and other saturated orunsaturated aliphatic primary alcohols each containing from about 1 toabout 30, preferably from about 1 to about 20, and more preferably fromabout 1 to about 15 carbon atoms; cyclopentylmethyl alcohol,cyclohexylmethyl alcohol, 2-cyclohexylethyl alcohol, and other saturatedor unsaturated alicyclic primary alcohols; benzyl alcohol, 1,2-(1,3- or1,4-)bis(hydroxymethyl)benzene, 1,2,3-(1,2,4- or1,3,5-)tris(hydroxymethyl)benzene, 2-phenylethyl alcohol, 3-phenylpropylalcohol, cinnamic alcohol, and other aromatic primary alcohols; and2-hydroxymethylpyridine, and other heterocyclic primary alcohols.Primary alcohols each having at least one substituent on its hydrocarbonmoiety include, but are not limited to, methyl glycolate, ethylglycolate, and other glycolic esters; ethylene glycol monomethyl ether,ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and other alkylene glycol monoalkylethers; ethylene glycol monoacetate, and other alkylene glycolmonoesters.

[0051] Typical secondary alcohols include, but are not limited to,2-propanol,- s-butyl alcohol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol,3,3-dimethyl-2-butanol, 2-octanol, 4-decanol, 2-hexadecanol,2-penten-4-ol, glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, 2,3-butanediol,2,3-pentanediol, and other vicinal diols, and other saturated orunsaturated aliphatic secondary alcohols each containing from about 3 toabout 30, preferably from about 3 to about 20, and more preferably fromabout 3 to about 15 carbon atoms; 1-cyclopentylethanol,1-cyclohexylethanol, and other secondary alcohols each having analiphatic hydrocarbon group and an alicyclic hydrocarbon (e.g., acycloalkyl group) combined with a carbon atom that is combined with ahydroxyl group; cyclobutanol, cyclopentanol, cyclohexanol, cyclooctanol,cyclododecanol, 2-cyclohepten-1-ol, 2-cyclohexen-1-ol, 2-adamantanol,2-adamantanols each having an oxo group on its adamantane ring,2-hydroxynorbornane, 2,5-dihydroxynorbornane,3-hydroxytetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodecane, and other saturatedor unsaturated alicyclic secondary alcohols (including bridged secondaryalcohols) each containing from about 3 to about 20 members, preferablyfrom about 3 to about 15 members, more preferably from about 5 to about15 members, and typically from about 5 to about 8 members;1-phenylethanol, 1-phenylpropanol, 1-phenylmethylethanol,diphenylmethanol, and other aromatic secondary alcohols; and1-(2-pyridyl)ethanol, and other heterocyclic secondary alcohols.

[0052] Typical tertiary alcohols include, but are not limited to,t-butyl alcohol, t-amyl alcohol, and other substituted or unsubstitutedaliphatic tertiary alcohols each containing from about 4 to about 30,preferably from about 4 to about 20, and more preferably from about 4 toabout 15 carbon atoms; 1-cyclohexyl-1-methylethanol, and other secondaryalcohols each containing an aliphatic hydrocarbon group and an alicyclichydrocarbon group (e.g., a cycloalkyl group and a bridged hydrocarbongroup) combined with a carbon atom with which a hydroxyl group iscombined; 1-methyl-1-cyclohexanol, and other tertiary alcohols eachcontaining a hydroxyl group and an aliphatic hydrocarbon group combinedwith one carbon atom constituting an alicyclic ring (e.g., a cycloalkanering, and a bridged carbon ring) ; 1-adamantanol, and other bridgedcarbon ring-containing tertiary alcohols each containing a hydroxylgroup at a bridgehead position of a bridged carbon ring;1-phenyl-1-methylethanol, and other aromatic tertiary alcohols;1-methyl-1-(2-pyridyl)ethanol, and other heterocyclic tertiary alcohols.

[0053] Typical phenols include, but are not limited to, phenol, cresol,hydroquinone, resorcinol, catechol, 1-hydroxynaphthalene, and othercompounds each containing a hydroxyl group combined with an aromaticcarbon ring; 2-hydroxypyridine, 3-hydroxypyridine, 4-hydroxypyridine,3-hydroxyfuran,- 3-hydroxythiophene, and other compounds each containinga hydroxyl group combined with an aromatic heterocyclic ring. Thesehydroxy compounds may each have at least one substituent within a rangenot deteriorating the reaction.

[0054] In addition to the above-exemplified compounds, preferred hydroxycompounds also include compounds represented by following Formula (13):

[0055] wherein

[0056] ring Z is any one of cyclic groups represented by followingFormulae (5) through (12):

[0057]  wherein

[0058] X¹, X², X³, X⁴, X⁵, X⁶, X⁷, and X⁸ are each a substituentcombined with an atom constituting each ring and are each a halogenatom, an alkyl group, a haloalkyl group, an aryl group, a hydroxyl groupwhich may be protected by a protecting group, a hydroxymethyl groupwhich may be protected by a protecting group, an amino group which maybe protected by a protecting group, a carboxyl group which may beprotected by a protecting group, a sulfo group which may be protected bya protecting group, an oxo group, a nitro group, a cyano group, or anacyl group which may be protected by a protecting group, wherein, whenthere are two or more substituents X¹s, these X¹s may be combined toform a ring containing four or more members with a carbon atomconstituting the cyclohexane ring in Formula (5);

[0059] a, b, C, d, e, f, g, and h are each an integer of 0 or more,wherein substituents in the parentheses may be the same or differentwhen a, b, c, d, e, f, g or h is 2 or more; and

[0060] p, q, and r are each an integer of from 0 to 3;

[0061] W is a divalent hydrocarbon group;

[0062] n is 0 or 1;

[0063] m is an integer from 1 to 8;

[0064] wherein groups in the parentheses may be the same or differentwhen m is 2 or more;

[0065] wherein a in Formula (5) is 1 or more and b in Formula (6) is 1or more when n is 0 and m is 1; and

[0066] wherein, in Formula (7), c is 1 or more when p is 0 or 1, andX³is a group other than hydroxyl group when p is 0 and c is 1.

[0067] The groups X¹, X², X³, X⁴ , X⁵, X⁶, X⁷, and X⁸ are each asubstituent combined with an atom constituting each ring. The ring justmentioned above means a ring indicated in the formulae, such ascyclohexane ring, adamantane ring, norbornane ring,tetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5)1^(7,10)]dodecane ring,4-oxatricyclo[5.2.1.0^(2,6)]decane-3,5-dione ring, γ-butyrolactone ring,4-oxatricyclo[5.2.1.0^(2,6)]decan-3-one ring,3-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(4,0)]nonan-2-one ring, and3-oxatricyclo[4.3.1.1^(4,8)]undecan-2-one ring. The halogen atom in X¹and the other substituents includes, for example, fluorine, chlorine,and bromine atoms. The alkyl group in X¹ and the other substituentsincludes, but is not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl,butyl, isobutyl, s-butyl, t-butyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, and other C₁-C₁₀alkyl groups, of which C₁-C₅ alkyl groups are preferred. The haloalkylgroup in X¹ and the other substituents includes, but is not limited to,chloromethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoroethyl, pentafluoroethyl, andother C₁-C₁₀ haloalkyl groups, of which C₁-C₅ haloalkyl groups arepreferred. The aryl group in X¹ and the other substituents includes, butis not limited to, phenyl, and naphthyl groups. The aromatic rings ofthese aryl groups may each have at least one substituent. Suchsubstituents include, for example, fluorine atom, and other halogenatoms; methyl group, and other C₁-C₄ alkyl groups; trifluoromethylgroup, and other C₁-C₅ haloalkyl groups; hydroxyl group; methoxy group,and other C₁-C₄ alkoxy groups; amino group; dialkylamino groups;carboxyl group; methoxycarbonyl group, and other alkoxycarbonyl groups;nitro group; cyano group; acetyl group, and other acyl groups.

[0068] Hydroxyl- and hydroxymethyl-protecting groups in X¹ and the othersubstituents include protecting groups conventionally used in the fieldof organic synthesis. Such protecting groups include, but are notlimited to, alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, t-butyl, and other C₁-C₄ alkylgroups), alkenyl groups (e.g., allyl group), cycloalkyl groups (e.g.,cyclohexyl group), aryl groups (e.g., 2,4-dinitrophenyl group), aralkylgroups (e.g., benzyl group); substituted methyl groups (e.g.,methoxymethyl, methylthiomethyl, benzyloxymethyl, t-butoxymethyl, and2-methoxyethoxymethyl groups), substituted ethyl groups (e.g.,1-ethoxyethyl group), tetrahydropyranyl group, tetrahydrofuranyl group,1-hydroxyalkyl groups (e.g., 1-hydroxyethyl group), and other groupscapable of forming an acetal or hemiacetal group with ahydroxyl group;acyl groups (e.g., formyl, acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, isobutyryl, andpivaloyl, and other C₁-C₆ aliphatic acyl groups; acetoacetyl group;benzoyl, and other aromatic acyl groups), alkoxycarbonyl groups (e.g.,methoxycarbonyl, and other C₁-C₄-alkoxy-carbonyl groups),aralkyloxycarbonyl groups, substituted or unsubstituted carbamoylgroups, substituted silyl groups (e.g., trimethylsilyl group). When themolecule in question has two or more hydroxyl groups (inclusive ofhydroxymethyl groups), the protecting groups also include, for example,divalent hydrocarbon groups (e.g., methylene, ethylidene,isopropylidene, cyclopentylidene, cyclohexylidene, and benzylidenegroups) each of which may have at least one substituent.

[0069] Amino-protecting groups in X¹ and the other substituents include,for example, the alkyl groups, aralkyl groups, acyl groups, andalkoxycarbonyl groups exemplified as the hydroxyl-protecting groups.

[0070] Carboxy-protecting and sulfo-protecting groups in X¹ and theother substituents include, but are not limited to, alkoxy groups (e.g.,methoxy, ethoxy, butoxy, and other C₁-C₆ alkoxy groups), cycloalkyloxygroups, aryloxy groups, aralkyloxy groups, trialkylsilyloxy groups,amino groups which may have at least one substituent, hydrazino group,alkoxycarbonylhydrazino groups, and aralkylcarbonylhydrazino groups.

[0071] The acyl group in X¹ and the other substituents includes, but isnot limited to, formyl, acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, isobutyryl,pivaloyl, and other C₁-C₆ aliphatic acyl groups; acetoacetyl group;benzoyl, and other aromatic acyl groups. Acyl-protecting groups for useherein include protecting groups conventionally used in the field oforganic synthesis. Such protected acyl groups include, for example,acetals inclusive of hemiacetals.

[0072] When the cyclohexane ring in Formula (5) has two or more X¹s,these X¹s may be combined to form a ring having four or more memberswith a carbon atom constituting the cyclohexane ring. Such ringsinclude, but are not limited to, cyclopentane ring, cyclohexane ring,perhydronaphthalene ring (decalin ring), and other alicyclic carbonrings; γ-butyrolactone ring, δ-valerolactone ring, and other lactonerings.

[0073] The repetition numbers a, b, c, d, e, f, g, and h are each aninteger of, for example, from 0 to 5, and preferably from 0 to 3.

[0074] W is a divalent hydrocarbon group. Such divalent hydrocarbongroups include divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, divalent alicyclichydrocarbon groups, divalent aromatic hydrocarbon groups, andhydrocarbon groups each comprising two or more of these groups combinedwith each other. These hydrocarbon groups may each have one or moremonovalent hydrocarbon groups combined therewith. Such monovalent,hydrocarbon groups include aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, alicyclichydrocarbon groups, aromatic hydrocarbon groups, and hydrocarbon groupseach comprising two or more of these groups combined with each other.The divalent hydrocarbon groups also include hydrocarbon groups eachhaving at least one substituent. Such substituents include thoseexemplified in X¹ and the other substituents in ring Z.

[0075] Typical divalent hydrocarbon groups include, but are not limitedto, methylene, methylmethylene, ethylmethylene, dimethylmethylene,ethylmethylmethylene, ethylene, trimethylene, tetramethylene, and otheralkylene groups; propenylene, and other alkenylene groups;1,3-cyclopentylene, 1,2-cyclohexylene, 1,3-cyclohexylene,1,4-cyclohexylene, and other cycloalkylene groups; cyclopropylidene,cyclopentylidene, cyclohexylidene, and other cycloalkylidene groups;phenylene, and other arylene groups; and benzylidene group.

[0076] Preferred examples of W include groups represented by followingFormula (14):

[0077] wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are the same or different and are each ahydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group, and wherein R⁶and R⁷ may becombined to form an alicyclic ring with the adjacent carbon atom.

[0078] Such hydrocarbon groups in R⁶ and R⁷ include hydrocarbon groupssimilar to those exemplified in R¹ and the other substituents. Thehydrocarbon groups also include hydrocarbon groups each having at leastone substituent. Such substituents include substituents similar to thosewhich the hydrocarbon groups in R¹ and the other substituents may have,as well as substituents similar to X¹ and the other substituents in ringZ.

[0079] Preferred R⁶and R⁷include hydrogen atom; methyl, ethyl, propyl,isopropyl, butyl, and other C₁-C₁₀ alkyl groups, of which C₁-C₅ alkylgroups are typically preferred; cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and othersubstituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl groups; norborn-2-yl,adamant-1-yl, and other substituted or unsubstituted bridged groups.Such substituents which the cycloalkyl groups and the bridged groups mayhave include substituents similar to X¹ and the other substituents inring Z, such as halogen atoms, alkyl groups, haloalkyl groups, arylgroups, hydroxyl group which may be protected by a protecting group,hydroxymethyl group which may be protected by a protecting group, aminogroup which may be protected by a protecting group, carboxyl group whichmay be protected by a protecting group, sulfo group which may beprotected by a protecting group, oxo group, nitro group, cyano group,and acyl groups which may be protected by a protecting group.

[0080] The repetition number m is an integer of preferably from 1 to 4,and more preferably from 1 to 3.

[0081] Typical examples of the hydroxy compounds represented by Formula(13) include the following compounds. The hydroxy compounds in whichring Z is a group represented by Formula (5) include, for example,cis-3,3,5-trimethyl-1-cyclohexanol,trans-3,3,5-trimethyl-1-cyclohexanol,2-isopropyl-5-methyl-1-cyclohexanol (menthol), and2-hydroxy-7-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-6-one. Among these hydroxy compoundsin which ring Z is a group represented by Formula (5), preference isgiven to compounds in which X¹ is a C₁-C₅ alkyl group, and therepetition number a is an integer of from 1 to 3, and to compounds inwhich two X¹s are combined to form an alicyclic ring or a lactone ringwith a carbon atom constituting the cyclohexane ring in Formula (5).

[0082] The hydroxy compounds in which ring Z is a group represented byFormula (6) include, for example, 2-methyl-2-adamantanol,2-ethyl-2-adamantanol, 1,3-adamantanediol, 1,3,5-adamantanetriol,1,3,5,7-adamantanetetraol, 3,5-dimethyl-1-adamantanol,5,7-dimethyl-1,3-adamantanediol, 3-carboxy-1-adamantanol,3-amino-1-adamantanol, 3-nitro-1-adamantanol, 3-sulfo-1-adamantanol,3-t-butyloxycarbonyl-1-adamantanol, 4-oxo-1-adamantanol, 3-hydroxy-α,α-dimethyl-1-adamantanemethanol, 1-adamantanemethanol, α,α-dimethyl-1-adamantanemethanol, α-ethyl-α-methyl-1-adamantanemethanol,α, α, α′, α′-tetramethyl-1,3-adamantanedimethanol, andα-methyl-α-(norborn-2-yl)-1-adamantanemethanol. Among these hydroxycompounds in which ring Z is a group represented by Formula (6),preference is given to compounds in which m is 2 or 3, to compounds inwhich n is 1, and to compounds in which b is an integer of from 1 to 3.

[0083] The hydroxy compounds in which ring Z is a group represented byFormula (7) include, for example, 2,5-norbornanediol,2,3-norbornanediol, 5-methoxycarbonyl-2-hydroxynorbornane,α-methyl-α-(norborn-2-yl)-2-norbornanemethanol, 2-norbornanemethanol, α,α-dimethyl-2-norbornanemethanol, α-butyl-α-methyl-2-norbornanemethanol,3,4-dihydroxytetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5)1.^(7,10)]dodecane,3,8-dihydroxytetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5)1.^(7,10)]dodecane,3-hydroxy-8-methoxycarbonyltetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodec ane,3-hydroxy-9-methoxycarbonyltetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodec ane,3-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodecanemethanol,8-hydroxy-3-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodecanemethanol, and9-hydroxy-3-tetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodecanemethanol. Amongthese hydroxy compounds in which ring Z is a group represented byFormula (7), preference is given to compounds in which p is 0 and c isan integer of from 2 to 4, to compounds in which p is 0 and n is 1, tocompounds in which p is 1 and c is an integer of from 1 to 4, and tocompounds in which p is 0, c is 1 and X³ is a group other than hydroxylgroup.

[0084] The hydroxy compounds in which ring Z is a group represented byFormula (8) include, for example,8-hydroxy-4-oxatricyclo[5.2.1.0^(2,6)]decane-3,5-dione, and4-hydroxy-11-oxapentacyclo[6.5.1.1^(3,6).0^(2,7).0^(9,13)]pentadecane-10,12-dione.

[0085] The hydroxy compounds in which ring Z is a group represented byFormula (9) include, for example, α-hydroxy-γ,γ-dimethyl-γ-butyrolactone, α-hydroxy-α, γ, γ-trimethyl-γ-butyrolactone,α-hydroxy-γ, γ-dimethyl-β-methoxycarbonyl-γ-butyrolactone,8-hydroxy-4-oxatricyclo[5.2.1.0^(2,6)]decan-3-one,9-hydroxy-4-oxatricyclo[5.2.1.0^(2,6)]decan-3-one, and8,9-dihydroxy-4-oxatricyclo[5.2.1.0^(2,6)]decan-3-one.

[0086] The hydroxy compounds in which ring Z is a group represented byFormula (10) include, for example,4-hydroxy-2,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane-3,6-dione.

[0087] The hydroxy compounds in which ring Z is a group represented byFormula (11) include, for example,5-hydroxy-3-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(4,8)]nonan-2-one,5-hydroxy-5-methyl-3-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(4,8)]nonan-2-one, and5-hydroxy-9-methyl-3-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(4,8)]nonan-2-one.

[0088] The hydroxy compounds in which ring Z is a group represented byFormula (12) include, for example,6-hydroxy-3-oxatricyclo[4.3.1.1^(4,8)]undecan-2-one, and6,8-dihydroxy-3-oxatricyclo[4.3.1.1^(4,8)]undecan-2-one.

Reactions

[0089] The reaction between the vinyl ester compound represented byFormula (1) and the hydroxy compound represented by Formula (2) isperformed in the presence of, or in the absence of, a solvent. Suchsolvents include, but are not limited to, hexane, heptane, octane, andother aliphatic hydrocarbons; cyclohexane, and other alicyclichydrocarbons; benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, and other aromatichydrocarbons; chloroform, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, and otherhalogenated hydrocarbons; diethyl ether, dimethoxyethane,tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, and other ethers; acetone, methyl ethylketone, and other ketones; methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, isopropylacetate, butyl acetate, and other esters; N,N-dimethylformamide,N,N-dimethylacetamide, and other amides; acetonitrile, propionitrile,benzonitrile, and other nitrites. Each of these solvents can be usedalone or in combination.

[0090] The amount of the vinyl ester compound represented by Formula (1)is, for example, from about 0.8 to about 10 equivalents, preferably fromabout 1 to about 8 equivalents, and more preferably from about 1.5 toabout 5 equivalents per equivalent of the hydroxy compound representedby Formula (2). It is also acceptable that the vinyl ester compoundrepresented by Formula (1) is used in large excess.

[0091] By performing the reaction in the presence of a base, thereaction rate is markedly increased in most cases. Such bases includeinorganic bases and organic bases. Such inorganic bases include, but arenot limited to, lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassiumhydroxide, cesium hydroxide, and other alkali metal hydroxides;magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, and otheralkaline earth metal hydroxides; lithium carbonate, sodium carbonate,potassium carbonate, cesium carbonate, and other alkali metalcarbonates; magnesium carbonate, and other alkaline earth metalcarbonates; and lithium hydrogencarbonate, sodium hydrogencarbonate,potassium hydrogencarbonate, cesium hydrogencarbonate, and other alkalimetal hydrogencarbonates.

[0092] The organic bases include, but are not limited to, lithiumacetate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, cesium acetate, and otherorganic acid salts of alkali metals (in particular, alkali metalacetates); magnesium acetate, and other organic acid salts of alkalineearth metals; lithium methoxide, sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide,sodium isopropoxide, potassium ethoxide, and other alkali metalalkoxides including alkali metal alkoxides corresponding to the hydroxycompounds represented by Formula (2); sodium phenoxide, and other alkalimetal phenoxides; triethylamine, N-methylpiperidine, and other aminesincluding tertiary amines; pyridine, 2,2′-bipyridyl,1,10-phenanthroline, and other nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocycliccompounds. Among these bases, preference is given to those containingsodium.

[0093] The amount of the base is, for example, from about 0.001 to about3 moles, and preferably from about 0.005 to 2 moles per mole of thehydroxy compound represented by Formula (2).

[0094] The reaction may be performed in the presence of a polymerizationinhibitor. A reaction temperature can appropriately be selecteddepending on the types of the reaction components and the catalyst andis, for example, from about 20° C. to about 200° C., preferably fromabout 50° C. to about 150° C., and more preferably from about 70° C. to120° C. The reaction can be performed at ordinary pressure (ambientpressure), under a reduced pressure, or under a pressure (under a load).The atmosphere of the reaction is not specifically limited as long as itdoes not adversely affect the reaction and includes, for example, anatmosphere of the air, of nitrogen gas, or of argon gas. The reactioncan be performed in any system such as batch system, semi-batch systemand continuous system.

[0095] The process of the present invention can yield a correspondingvinyl ether compound represented by Formula (3) under mild conditions asa result of the reaction. After the completion of the reaction, thereaction product can be separated and purified, for example, byfiltration, concentration, distillation, extraction, crystallization,recrystallization, column chromatography, or another separation means orany combination of these separation means.

Vinyl Ether Compounds

[0096] The process of the present invention can yield the novel vinylether compounds represented by Formula (4). Specifically, the compoundrepresented by Formula (4) can be obtained by allowing the vinyl estercompound represented by Formula (1) to react with the hydroxy compoundrepresented by Formula (13) in the presence of a transition elementcompound.

[0097] In Formula (4), ring Z, W, n, m, and other symbols have the samemeanings and are exemplified in the same manner as in Formula (13). Inaddition, R², R³and R⁴ in Formula (4) have the same meanings and areexemplified in the same manner as in Formula (1).

[0098] Typical examples of the vinyl ether compounds represented byFormula (4) include the following compounds. Specifically, the vinylether compounds in which ring Z is a group represented by Formula (5)include, for example, cis-1,1,3-trimethyl-5-vinyloxycyclohexane,trans-1,1,3-trimethyl-5-vinyloxycyclohexane,1-isopropyl-4-methyl-2-vinyloxycyclohexane,2-vinyloxy-7-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-6-one, and isopropenyl etherscorresponding to these compounds. Among these vinyl ether compounds inwhich ring Z is a group represented by Formula (5), preference is givento compounds in which X¹ is a C₁-C₅ alkyl group and a is an integer offrom 1 to 3 and to compounds in which two X¹s are combined to form analicyclic ring or a lactone ring with a carbon atom constituting thecyclohexane ring in Formula (5).

[0099] The vinyl ether compounds in which ring Z is a group representedby Formula (6) include, for example, 2-methyl-2-vinyloxyadamantane,2-ethyl-2-vinyloxyadamantane, 1,3-bis(vinyloxy)adamantane,3-vinyloxy-1-adamantanol, 1,3,5-tris(vinyloxy)adamantane,3,5-bis(vinyloxy) -1-adamantanol, 5-vinyloxy-1,3-adamantanediol,1,3,5,7-tetrakis(vinyloxy)adamantane,3,5,7-tris(vinyloxy)-1-adamantanol,5,7-bis(vinyloxy)-1,3-adamantanediol, 7-vinyloxy-1,3,5-adamantanetriol,1,3-dimethyl-5-vinyloxyadamantane,1,3-dimethyl-5,7-bis(vinyloxy)adamantane,3,5-dimethyl-7-vinyloxy-1-adamantanol, 1-carboxy-3-vinyloxyadamantane,1-amino-3-vinyloxyadamantane, 1-nitro-3-vinyloxyadamantane,1-sulfo-3-vinyloxyadamantane, 1-t-butyloxycarbonyl-3-vinyloxyadamantane,4-oxo-1-vinyloxyadamantane,1-vinyloxy-3-(1-methyl-1-vinyloxyethyl)adamantane,1-(vinyloxymethyl)adamantane, 1-(1-methyl-1-vinyloxyethyl)adamantane,1-(1-ethyl-1-vinyloxyethyl)adamantane,1,3-bis(1-methyl-1-vinyloxyethyl)adamantane,1-(1-(norborn-2-yl)-1-vinyloxyethyl)adamantane, and isopropenyl etherscorresponding to these compounds. Among these vinyl ether compounds inwhich ring Z is a group represented by Formula (6), preference is givento compounds in which m is 2 or 3, to compounds in which n is 1, and tocompound in which b is an integer of from 1 to 3.

[0100] The vinyl ether compounds in which ring Z is a group representedby Formula (7) include, for example, 2,5-bis(vinyloxy)norbornane,2,3-bis(vinyloxy)norbornane, 5-methoxycarbonyl-2-vinyloxynorbornane,2-(1-(norborn-2-yl)-1-vinyloxyethyl)norbornane,2-(vinyloxymethyl)norbornane, 2-(1-methyl-1-vinyloxyethyl)norbornane,2-(1-methyl-1-vinyloxypentyl)norbornane,3-hydroxy-4-vinyloxytetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1¹⁰]dodecane,3,4-bis(vinyloxy)tetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodecane,3-hydroxy-8-vinyloxytetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodecane,3,8-bis(vinyloxy)tetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodecane,3-methoxycarbonyl-8-vinyloxytetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dode cane,3-methoxycarbonyl-9-vinyloxytetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dode cane,3-(vinyloxymethyl)tetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodecane,3-hydroxymethyl-8-vinyloxytetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodeca ne,3-hydroxymethyl-9-vinyloxytetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodeca ne,8-hydroxy-3-(vinyloxymethyl)tetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dode cane,9-hydroxy-3-(vinyloxymethyl)tetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dode cane,and isopropenyl ethers corresponding to these compounds. Among thesevinyl ether compounds in which ring Z is a group represented by Formula(7), preference is given to compounds in which p is 0 and c is aninteger of from 2 to 4, to compounds in which p is 0 and n is 1, tocompounds in which p is 1 and c is an integer of from 1 to 4, and tocompounds in which p is 0, c is 1 and X³ is a group other than hydroxylgroup.

[0101] The vinyl ether compounds in which ring Z is a group representedby Formula (8) include, for example,8-vinyloxy-4-oxatricyclo[5.2.1.0^(2,6)]decane-3,5-dione,4-vinyloxy-11-oxapentacyclo[6.5.1.1^(3,6).0^(2,7).0^(9,13)]pentadecane-10,12-dione,and isopropenyl ethers corresponding to these compounds.

[0102] The vinyl ether compounds in which ring Z is a group representedby Formula (9) include, for example, α-vinyloxy-γ,γ-dimethyl-γ-butyrolactone, α, γ,γ-trimethyl-α-vinyloxy-γ-butyrolactone, γ,γ-dimethyl-β-methoxycarbonyl-α-vinyloxy-γ-butyrolactone,8-vinyloxy-4-oxatricyclo[5.2.1.0^(2,6)]decan-3-one,9-vinyloxy-4-oxatricyclo[5.2.1.0^(2,6)]decan-3-one,8,9-bis(vinyloxy)-4-oxatricyclo[5.2.1.0^(2,6)]decan-3-one, andisopropenyl ethers corresponding to these compounds.

[0103] The vinyl ether compounds in which ring Z is a group representedby Formula (10) include, for example,4-vinyloxy-2,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane-3,6-dione, and isopropenylethers corresponding to this compound.

[0104] The vinyl ether compounds in which ring Z is a group representedby Formula (11) include, for example,5-vinyloxy-3-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(4,8)]nonan-2-one,5-methyl-5-vinyloxy-3-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(4,8)]nonan-2-one,9-methyl-5-vinyloxy-3-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(4,8)]nonan-2-one, andisopropenyl ethers corresponding to these compounds.

[0105] The vinyl ether compounds in which ring Z is a group representedby Formula (12) include, for example,6-vinyloxy-3-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(4,8)]undecan-2-one,6,8-bis(vinyloxy)-3-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(4,8)]undecan-2-one,6-hydroxy-8-vinyloxy-3-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(4,8)]undecan-2-one,8-hydroxy-6-vinyloxy-3-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(4,8)]undecan-2-one, andisopropenyl ethers corresponding to these compounds.

[0106] The vinyl ether compounds represented by Formula (4) of thepresent invention can be used as raw materials for pharmaceutical drugs,agricultural chemicals, and other fine chemicals, as well as rawmaterials for polymers such as resist resins, optical plastics,transparent resins, and crosslinking resins. In particular, they eachhave a non-aromatic cyclic skeleton such as an alicyclic skeleton or alactone skeleton and are useful as material monomers for resist resins,since they can improve transparency and resistance to dry etching whenthey are used as comonomers of such polymers.

EXAMPLES

[0107] The present invention will be illustrated in further detail withreference to several examples below, which are not intended to limit thescope of the invention.

Example 1

[0108] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (172mg, 2 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphereof argon gas for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that 1-octyl vinyl ether was produced in a yieldof 98% with a conversion from 1-octanol of 100%.

Example 2

[0109] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 g, 0.01 mol) and sodium carbonate (64 g, 0.6 mol) intoluene (1.0 L), 1-octanol (130 g, 1 mol) and vinyl acetate (172 g, 2mol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere ofargon gas for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to roomtemperature, the resulting precipitated salt was filtrated, the filtratewas concentrated in an evaporator under a reduced pressure, the residuewas distillated and thereby yielded 1-octyl vinyl ether.

Example 3

[0110] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (32 mg, 0.3 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (430mg, 5 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphereof argon gas for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that 1-octyl vinyl ether was produced in a yieldof 82% with a conversion from 1-octanol of 100%.

Example 4

[0111] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (1.1 mg, 0.01mmol) in toluene (1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate(430 mg, 5 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in anatmosphere of argon gas for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzedby gas chromatography to find that 1-octyl vinyl ether was produced in ayield of 67% with a conversion from 1-octanol of 86%.

Example 5

[0112] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and toluene (1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (430 mg, 5 mmol) were added, followed bystirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere of argon gas for 2 hours. Thereaction mixture was analyzed by gas chromatography to find that 1-octylvinyl ether was produced in a yield of 1% with a conversion from1-octanol of 3%.

Example 6

[0113] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium acetate (49 mg, 0.6 mmol) intoluene (1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (172 mg,2 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere ofargon gas for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that 1-octyl vinyl ether was produced in a yieldof 82% with a conversion from 1-octanol of 100%.

Example 7

[0114] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and potassium carbonate (83 mg, 0.6mmol) in toluene (1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate(172 mg, 2 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in anatmosphere of argon gas for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzedby gas chromatography to find that 1-octyl vinyl ether was produced in ayield of 3% with a conversion from 1-octanol of 39%.

Example 8

[0115] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and cesium carbonate (195 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (172mg, 2 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphereof argon gas for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that 1-octyl vinyl ether was produced in a yieldof 6% with a conversion from 1-octanol of 30%.

Example 9

[0116] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and pyridine (95 mg, 1.2 mmol) intoluene (1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (172 mg,2 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere ofargon gas for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that 1-octyl vinyl ether was produced in a yieldof 1% with a conversion from 1-octanol of 2%.

Example 10

[0117] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (172mg, 2 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 90° C. in an atmosphereof argon gas for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that 1-octyl vinyl ether was produced in a yieldof 98% with a conversion from 1-octanol of 100%.

Example 11

[0118] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (172mg, 2 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 80° C. in an atmosphereof argon gas for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that 1-octyl vinyl ether was produced in a yieldof 55% with a conversion from 1-octanol of 58%.

Example 12

[0119] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in 1,4-dioxane (1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate(172 mg, 2 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in anatmosphere of argon gas for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzedby gas chromatography to find that 1-octyl vinyl ether was produced in ayield of 84% with a conversion from 1-octanol of 85%.

Example 13

[0120] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), benzyl alcohol (108 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate(172 mg, 2 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in anatmosphere of argon gas for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzedby gas chromatography to find that benzyl vinyl ether was produced in ayield of 94% with a conversion from benzyl alcohol of 100%.

Example 14

[0121] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]2 (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), 1,6-hexanediol (118 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate(344 mg, 4 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in anatmosphere of argon gas for 6 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzedby gas chromatography to find that 1,6-bis(vinyloxy)hexane and6-vinyloxy-1-hexanol were produced in yields of 87% and 2%,respectively, with a conversion from 1,6-hexanediol of 97%.

Example 15

[0122] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl ]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), sec-phenethyl alcohol (1-phenylethyl alcohol) (122mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (172 mg, 2 mmol) were added, followed bystirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere of argon gas for 2 hours. Thereaction mixture was analyzed by gas chromatography to find thatsec-phenethyl vinyl ether was produced in a yield of 95% with aconversion from sec-phenethyl alcohol of 97%.

Example 16

[0123] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), 1-adamantanol (152 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate(258 mg, 3 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in anatmosphere of argon gas for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzedby gas chromatography to find that 1-adamantyl vinyl ether and1-(adamant-1-yloxy) ethyl acetate were produced in yields of 91% and 1%,respectively, with a conversion from 1-adamantanol of 93%.

Spectral data of 1-adamantyl vinyl ether

[0124] MS m/e: 178, 135, 93, 79, 41¹H-NMR (CDCl3, TMS) δ: 6.59 (dd, 1H),4.29 (dd, 1H), 4.02 (dd, 1H), 2.18 (brs, 3H), 1.80-1.50 (m, 12H)

Spectral data of 1-(adamant-1-yloxy)ethyl acetate

[0125]¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS) δ: 6.21 (q, 1H), 2.13 (brs, 3H), 2.02 (s, 3H),1.90-1.50 (m, 12H), 1.35 (s, 3H)

Example 17

[0126] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), menthol (156 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (172 mg,2 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere ofargon gas for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that 1-isopropyl-4-methyl-2-vinyloxycyclohexanewas produced in a yield of 86% with a conversion from menthol of 89%.

Spectral data of 1-isopropyl-4-methyl-2-vinyloxycyclohexane

[0127] M/S m/e: 182, 139, 83, 69, 55,

Example 18

[0128] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), phenol (94 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (172 mg, 2mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere ofargon gas for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that phenyl vinyl ether was produced in a yieldof 98% with a conversion from phenol of 100%.

Example 19

[0129] To a mixture of dichloro(1,5-cyclooctadiene)ruthenium[Ru(cod)Cl₂](2.8 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), phenol (94 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (172 mg, 2mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere ofargon gas for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that phenyl vinyl ether was produced in a yieldof 65% with a conversion from phenol of 69%.

Example 20

[0130] To a mixture of dichloro(1,5-cyclooctadiene)platinum[Pt(cod)Cl₂](3.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), phenol (94 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (172 mg, 2mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere ofargon gas for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that phenyl vinyl ether was produced in a yieldof 48% with a conversion from phenol of 52%.

Example 21

[0131] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)dirhodium[Rh(cod)Cl]₂ (4.9 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), phenol (94 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (172 mg, 2mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere ofargon gas for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that phenyl vinyl ether was produced in a yieldof 55% with a conversion from phenol of 58%.

Example 22

[0132] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), cis-3,3,5-trimethyl-1-cyclohexanol (1 mmol) andvinyl acetate (3 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in anatmosphere of argon gas for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzedby gas chromatography to find thatcis-1,1,3-trimethyl-5-vinyloxycyclohexane was produced in a yield of 91%with a conversion from cis-3,3,5-trimethyl-1-cyclohexanol of 95%.

Spectral data of cis-1,1,3-trimethyl-5-vinyloxycyclohexane

[0133]¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS) δ: 6.51 (dd, 1H), 4.19 (dd, 1H), 4.00 (dd,1H), 3.54 (m, 1H), 2.07-1.97 (m, 1H), 1.78-1.65 (m, 2H), 1.40-1.32 (m,1H), 1.56 (dd, 1H), 0.96 (s, 3H), 0.90-0.78 (m, 2H), 0.93 (s, 3H), 0.91(s, 3H)

Example 23

[0134] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), 1,3-adamantanediol (1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (6mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere ofargon gas for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that 1,3-bis(vinyloxy)adamantane and3-vinyloxy-1-adamantanol were produced in yields of 41% and 16%,respectively, with a conversion from 1,3-adamantanediol of 97%.

Spectral data of 1,3-bis(vinyloxy)adamantane

[0135] MS m/e: 220, 177, 135, 121, 93, 79, 77

Spectral data of 3-vinyloxy-1-adamantanol

[0136] MS m/e: 194, 151, 133, 95, 93, 41

Example 24

[0137] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), 1,3,5-adamantanetriol (1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (9mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere ofargon gas for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that 1,3,5-tris(vinyloxy)adamantane,3,5-bis(vinyloxy)-1-adamantanol, and 5-vinyloxy-1,3-adamantanediol wereproduced in yields of 52%, 18%, and 8%, respectively, with a conversionfrom 1,3,5-adamantanetriol of 97%.

Spectral data of 1,3,5-tris(vinyloxy)adamantane

[0138] MS m/e: 262, 135, 93, 41

Spectral data of 3,5-bis(vinyloxy)-1-adamantanol

[0139] MS m/e: 236, 135, 107, 41

Spectral data of 5-vinyloxy-1,3-adamantanediol

[0140] MS m/e: 210, 135, 91

Example 25

[0141] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(l,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), 3-t-butyloxycarbonyl-1-adamantanol (1 mmol) andvinyl acetate (3 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in anatmosphere of argon gas for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzedby gas chromatography to find that t-butyl3-vinyloxyadamantane-1-carboxylate (i.e.,1-t-butyloxycarbonyl-3-vinyloxyadamantane) represented by followingFormula (15) was produced in a yield of 82% with a conversion from3-t-butyloxycarbonyl-1-adamantanol of 97%.

Spectral data of t-butyl 3-vinyloxyadamantane-1-carboxylate

[0142] MS m/e: 278, 135, 93, 41

Example 26

[0143] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), 4-oxo-1-adamantanol (1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (3mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere ofargon gas for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that 5-vinyloxyadamantan-2-one (i.e.,1-vinyloxy-4-oxoadamantane) represented by following Formula (16) wasproduced in a yield of 78% with a conversion from 4-oxo-1-adamantanol of87%.

Spectral data of 5-vinyloxyadamantan-2-one

[0144]¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS) δ: 6.68 (dd, 1H), 4.32 (dd, 1H), 4.08 (dd,1H), 2.68 (brs, 2H), 2.52-2.30 (m, 7H), 2.12-1.87 (m, 4H)

Example 27

[0145] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(l,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), 1-hydroxy-4-oxatricyclo[4.3.1.1^(3,8)]undecan-5-one(i.e., 6-hydroxy-3-oxatricyclo[4.3.1.1^(3,8)]undecan-2-one (1 mmol) andvinyl acetate (3 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in anatmosphere of argon gas for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzedby gas chromatography to find that1-vinyloxy-4-oxatricyclo[4.3.1.1^(3,8)]undecan-5-one (i.e.,6-vinyloxy-3-oxatricyclo[4.3.1.1^(3,8)]undecan-2-one) represented byfollowing Formula (17) was produced in a yield of 72% with a conversionfrom 1-hydroxy-4-oxatricyclo[4.3.1.1^(3,8)]undecan-5-one of 82%.

Spectral data of 1-vinyloxy-4-oxatricyclo[4.3.1.1^(3,8)]undecan-5-one

[0146] 1H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS) δ: 6.62 (dd, 1H), 4.25 (dd, 1H), 4.01 (dd,1H), 4.63 (m, 1H), 3.16 (m, 1H), 2.43 (m, 1H), 2.15-1.68 (m, 10H)

Example 28

[0147] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(-1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl ]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), α, α-dimethyl-1-adamantanemethanol (1 mmol) andvinyl acetate (3 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in anatmosphere of argon gas for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzedby gas chromatography to find that1-(1-methyl-1-vinyloxyethyl)adamantane represented by following Formula(18) was produced in a yield of 85% with a conversion from α,α-dimethyl-1-adamantanemethanol of 92%.

Spectral data of 1-(1-methyl-1-vinyloxyethyl)adamantane

[0148]¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS) δ: 6.64 (dd, 1H), 4.30 (dd, 1H), 4.05 (dd,1H), 2.05 (brs, 3H), 1.78-1.56 (m, 10H), 1.51 (s, 6H)

Example 29

[0149] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), α-hydroxy-γ, γ-dimethyl-γ-butyrolactone (1 mmol)and vinyl acetate (3 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C.in an atmosphere of argon gas for 5 hours. The reaction mixture wasanalyzed by gas chromatography to find that γ,γ-dimethyl-α-vinyloxy-γ-butyrolactone represented by following Formula(19) was produced in a yield of 92% with a conversion from α-hydroxy-γ,γ-dimethyl-γ-butyrolactone of 98%.

Spectral data of γ, γ-dimethyl-α-vinyloxy-γ-butyrolactone

[0150]¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS) δ: 6.64 (dd, 1H), 4.30 (dd, 1H), 4.05 (dd,1H), 5.66 (m, 1H), 2.68-2.58 (m, 1H), 2.18-2.02 (m, 1H), 1.54 (s, 3H),1.47 (s, 3H)

Example 30

[0151] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), 5-hydroxy-3-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(4,8)]nonan-2-one(i.e., 2-hydroxy-4-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(3,7)]nonan-5-one) (1 mmol) andvinyl acetate (3 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in anatmosphere of argon gas for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzedby gas chromatography to find that5-vinyloxy-3-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(4,8)]nonan-2-one (i.e.,2-vinyloxy-4-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(3,7)]nonan-5-one) represented byfollowing Formula (20) was produced in a yield of 96% with a conversionfrom 5-hydroxy-3-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(4,8)]nonan-2-one of 98%.

Spectral data of 5-vinyloxy-3-oxatricyclo[4.2.1.0^(4,8)]nonan-2-one

[0152]¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS) δ: 6.52 (dd, 1H), 4.35 (dd, 1H), 4.03 (dd,1H), 4.32 (d, 1H), 3.81 (m, 1H), 3.18 (m, 1H), 2.65-2.50 (m, 2H),2.13-1.96 (m, 2H), 1.78 (ddd, 1H), 1.65 (ddd, 1H)

Example 31

[0153] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(15-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml),8,9-dihydroxy-4-oxatricyclo[5.2.1.0^(2,6)]decan-3-one (1 mmol) and vinylacetate (6 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in anatmosphere of argon gas for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzedby gas chromatography to find that8,9-bis(vinyloxy)-4-oxatricyclo[5.2.1.0^(2,6)]decan-3-one represented byfollowing Formula (21) was produced in a yield of 63% with a conversionfrom 8,9-dihydroxy-4-oxatricyclo[5.2.1.0^(2,6)]decan-3-one of 93%.

Spectral data of8,9-bis(vinyloxy)-4-oxatricyclo[5.2.1.0^(2,6)]decan-3-one

[0154] MS m/e: 248, 138, 107, 79

Example 32

[0155] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (6.7 mg, 0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (64 mg, 0.6 mmol)in toluene (1.0 ml), a mixture (1 mmol) of3-hydroxy-8-methoxycarbonyltetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodec aneand 3-hydroxy-9-methoxycarbonyltetracyclo[4.4.0. 1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodecane, and vinyl acetate (3 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100°C. in an atmosphere of argon gas for 5 hours. The reaction mixture wasanalyzed by gas chromatography to find that a mixture of3-vinyloxy-8-methoxycarbonyltetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dode canerepresented by following Formula (22) and3-vinyloxy-9-methoxycarbonyltetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dode canerepresented by following Formula (23) was produced in a total yield of61% with a conversion from the mixture of3-hydroxy-8-methoxycarbonyltetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodec aneand 3-hydroxy-9-methoxycarbonyltetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodecane of 87%.

Spectral data of a mixture of3-vinyloxy-8-methoxycarbonyltetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dode caneand 3-vinyloxy-9-methoxycarbonyltetracyclo[4.4.0.1^(2,5).1^(7,10)]dodecane

[0156] MS m/e: 262, 218, 159, 81

Example 33

[0157] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (0.03 mmol) in toluene(1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and isopropenyl acetate (5 mmol)were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere of argongas for 15 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that 1-octyl isopropenyl ether,2,2-bis(1-octyloxy)propane, and octyl acetate were produced in yields of78%, 4%, and 16%, respectively, with a conversion from 1-octanol of 98%.

Example 34

[0158] To a mixture of bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)iridium tetrafluoroborate[Ir(cod)₂]⁺BF₄ ⁻ (0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (0.03 mmol) in toluene(1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and isopropenyl acetate (5 mmol)were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere of argongas for 15 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gaschromatography to find that 1-octyl isopropenyl ether,2,2-bis(1-octyloxy)propane, and octyl acetate were produced in yields of67%, 6%, and 14%, respectively, with a conversion from 1-octanol of 93%.

Example 35

[0159] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (0.1 mmol) in toluene (1.0ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (5 mmol) were added,followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere of argon gas for 2hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gas chromatography to findthat 1-octyl vinyl ether, octyl acetate, and 1-(1-octyloxy) ethylacetate were produced in yields of 58%, 3%, and 21%, respectively, witha conversion from 1-octanol of 100%.

Example 36

[0160] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (0.01 mmol) and sodium hydrogencarbonate (1.2 mmol) intoluene (1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (2 mmol)were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere of argongas for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gas chromatographyto find that 1-octyl vinyl ether and octyl acetate were produced inyields of 93% and 2%, respectively, with a conversion from 1-octanol of99%.

Example 37

[0161] To a mixture of bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)iridium tetrafluoroborate[Ir(cod)₂]⁺BF₄ ⁻ ⁽0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (0.6 mmol) in toluene(1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (2 mmol) wereadded, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere of argon gas for2 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gas chromatography to findthat 1-octyl vinyl ether and octyl acetate were produced in yields of70% and 2%, respectively, with a conversion from 1-octanol of 72%.

Example 38

[0162] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (0.01 mmol) and 4MgCO₃-Mg(OH)₂-5H₂O (0.6 mmol) in toluene(1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (2 mmol) wereadded, followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere of argon gas for2 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gas chromatography to findthat 1-octyl vinyl ether and octyl acetate were produced in yields of18% and 3%, respectively, with a conversion from 1-octanol of 44%.

Example 39

[0163] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (0.01 mmol) and triethylamine (0.6 mmol) in toluene (1.0ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (2 mmol) were added,followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere of argon gas for 2hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gas chromatography to findthat 1-octyl vinyl ether and octyl acetate were produced in yields of19% and 2%, respectively, with a conversion from 1-octanol of 30%.

Example 40

[0164] To a mixture of (1,5-cyclooctadiene)(acetonitrile)iridiumtetrafluoroborate [Ir(cod) (CH₃CN) ]⁺BF₄ ⁻ (0.01 mmol) and sodiumcarbonate (0.6 mmol) in toluene (1.0 ml), 1-octanol (130 mg, 1 mmol) andvinyl acetate (2 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 100° C. in anatmosphere of argon gas for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was analyzedby gas chromatography to find that 1-octyl vinyl ether and octyl acetatewere produced in yields of 90% and 1%, respectively, with a conversionfrom 1-octanol of 98%.

Example 41

[0165] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (0.01 mmol) and sodium carbonate (0.6 mmol) in toluene (1.0ml), 2-cyclopenten-1-ol (1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (2 mmol) were added,followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere of argon gas for 2hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gas chromatography to findthat 2-cyclopenten-1-yl vinyl ether and 2-cyclopenten-1-one wereproduced in yields of 34% and 14%, respectively, with a conversion from2-cyclopenten-1-ol of 69%.

Example 42

[0166] To a mixture of di-μ-chlorobis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)[Ir(cod)Cl]₂ (0.01 mmol) and sodium acetate (1.2 mmol) in toluene (2.0ml),triethylene glycol (1 mmol) and vinyl acetate (4 mmol) were added,followed by stirring at 100° C. in an atmosphere of argon gas for 6hours. The reaction mixture was analyzed by gas chromatography to findthat triethylene glycol divinyl ether, triethylene glycol monovinylether, and triethylene glycol monovinyl ether monoacetate were producedin yields of 63%, 3%, and 18%, respectively, with a conversion fromtriethylene glycol of 100%.

[0167] Other embodiments and variations will be obvious to those skilledin the art, and this invention is not to be limited to the specificmatters stated above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A process for producing vinyl ether compounds,comprising the step of: allowing a vinyl ester compound represented byfollowing Formula (1):

 wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are the same or different and are each ahydrogen atom or an organic group, to react with a hydroxy compoundrepresented by following Formula (2): R⁵OH  (2)  wherein R⁵ is anorganic group, in the presence of at least one transition elementcompound to thereby yield a vinyl ether compound represented byfollowing Formula (3):

 wherein R², R³, R⁴ and R⁵ have the same meanings as defined above. 2.The process according to claim 1 wherein the transition element compoundis a compound comprising a Group VIII element of the Periodic Table ofElements.
 3. The process according to claim 1 wherein the transitionelement compound is an iridium compound.
 4. The process according toclaim 1 wherein the vinyl ester compound represented by Formula (1) isallowed to react with the hydroxy compound represented by Formula (2) inthe presence of a base.
 5. A vinyl ether compound represented byfollowing Formula (4):

wherein ring Z is any one of cyclic groups represented by followingFormulae (5) through (12):

 wherein X¹, X², X³, X⁴, X⁵, X⁶, X⁷, and X⁸ are each a substituentcombined with an atom constituting each ring and are each a halogenatom, an alkyl group, a haloalkyl group, an aryl group, a hydroxyl groupwhich may be protected by a protecting group, a hydroxymethyl groupwhich may be protected by a protecting group, an amino group which maybe protected by a protecting group, a carboxyl group which may beprotected by a protecting group, a sulfo group which may be protected bya protecting group, an oxo group, a nitro group, a cyano group, or anacyl group which may be protected by a protecting group, wherein, whenthere are two or more substituents X¹s, these X¹s may be combined toform a ring containing four or more members with a carbon atomconstituting the cyclohexane ring in Formula (5); a, b, c, d, e, f, g,and h are each an integer of 0 or more, wherein when a, b, c, d, e, f, gor h is 2 or more, the substituents in the parentheses may be the sameor different; and p, q, and r are each an integer of from 0 to 3; W is adivalent hydrocarbon group; R², R³, and R⁴ are the same or different andare each a hydrogen atom or an organic group; n is 0 or 1; and m is aninteger of from 1 to 8, wherein groups in the parentheses may be thesame or different when m is 2 or more; wherein a in Formula (5) is 1 ormore and b in Formula (6) is 1 or more when n is 0 and m is 1; andwherein c is 1 or more when p is 0 or 1, and X³ is a group other thanhydroxyl group when p is 0 and c is 1 in Formula (7).